An English supply convoy victory near Orléans in 1429 secured critical provisions for the ongoing siege, named after barrels of herring among the cargo.
Key Facts
- Date
- 12 February 1429
- Conflict
- Siege of Orléans, Hundred Years' War
- Supply convoy size
- Approximately 300 carts and wagons
- Convoy origin
- Paris
- Named after
- Barrels of herring carried for Lenten season
- Outcome
- Decisive English victory
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
English forces had besieged Orléans since October 1428 and required resupply. Sir John Fastolf escorted a convoy of roughly 300 wagons from Paris carrying weapons, ammunition, and salted herring intended to feed the army during the approaching Lenten fasting period.
On 12 February 1429, French and Scottish forces under Charles of Bourbon and Sir John Stewart of Darnley attempted to intercept the English supply convoy near Rouvray, just north of Orléans. The English escort repelled the attack decisively, retaining full control of the convoy and its contents.
The successful defense of the convoy allowed the English army at Orléans to remain provisioned and maintain their siege. The battle's unusual name derived from the herring barrels in the cargo, and the French failure to disrupt the supply line prolonged the siege until Joan of Arc's intervention later that year.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Sir John Fastolf.
Side B
2 belligerents
Charles of Bourbon, Sir John Stewart of Darnley.